Micro Atx Expansion Slots
If you’re looking for a glass Micro-ATX case that shows off your PC’s interior, the InWin 301 does just the trick. It supports both air and liquid cooling, and it’s loaded with 3 drive bays and 4 expansion slots out of the box.
microATX (sometimes referred to as μATX, uATX[1] or mATX)[2] is a standard for motherboards that was introduced in December 1997.[3] The maximum size of a microATX motherboard is 9.6 × 9.6 in (244 × 244 mm). The standard ATX size is 25% longer, at 12 × 9.6 in (305 × 244 mm).
One of the biggest differences in Micro ATX motherboards and ATX ones is the number of expansion slots. Due to having a smaller size than a standard ATX board, the mATX board has lesser expansion. Even if it weren’t NVMe at all, the extra M.2 slot would still be nice to have, though. That aside, the move up to an ATX case and motherboard gets you a lot more expansion than is possible with the previous entries on this list. For not much more than our ATX motherboards, you get essentially twice the PCI Express and RAM slots. Micro-ATX Micro-ATX specifies length to be 9.6 inches with width varying from 6.7 to 9.6 inches, it has three less expansion slots than standard ATX. Maximum number of expansion slots is four (4) Up to eight (8) mounting holes are available. An expansion slot refers to any of the slots on a motherboard that can hold an expansion card to expand the computer's functionality, like a video card, network card, or sound card. The expansion card is plugged directly into the expansion port so that the motherboard has direct access to the hardware.
Currently available microATX motherboards support CPUs from VIA, Intel or AMD.
Backward compatibility[edit]
microATX was explicitly designed to be backward-compatible with ATX. The mounting points of microATX motherboards are a subset of those used on full-size ATX boards, and the I/O panel is identical. Thus, microATX motherboards can be used in full-size ATX cases. Furthermore, most microATX motherboards generally use the same power connectors as ATX motherboards,[4] thus permitting the use of full-size ATX power supplies with microATX boards.
microATX boards often use the same chipsets (northbridges and southbridges) as full-size ATX boards, allowing them to use many of the same components. However, since microATX cases are typically much smaller than ATX cases, they usually have fewer expansion slots.
Expandability[edit]
Most modern ATX motherboards have a maximum of seven PCI or PCI-Express expansion slots, while microATX boards only have a maximum of four (four being the maximum permitted by the specification). In order to conserve expansion slots and case space, many manufacturers produce microATX motherboard with a full range of integrated peripherals (especially integrated graphics), which may serve as the basis for small form factor and media center PCs. For example, the ASRockG31M-S motherboard (pictured right) features onboard Intel GMA graphics, HD Audio audio, and Realtek Ethernet (among others), thus freeing up the expansion slots that would have been used for a graphics card, sound card, and Ethernet card. In recent years, however, it is common even for ATX boards to integrate all these components, as much of this functionality is contained in the typical northbridge/southbridge pair. With the 'must-have' functions already present on the motherboard, the need for having many expansion slots has faded, and adoption of microATX has increased even to be used in ATX cases.
In the DIY PC market, microATX motherboards in general are favored by cost-conscious buyers, where cost savings for the equivalent feature sets outweigh the added expandability of extra PCI/PCI Express slots provided by the full ATX versions. Since 2006, dual-GPU configurations became possible on microATX motherboards for high-end enthusiast gaming setups, further reducing the need for full ATX motherboards.[5]
In addition, some microATX cases require the use of low-profile PCI cards[6] and use power supplies with non-standard dimensions.[7]
Compared to Mini-ITX, microATX motherboards have a maximum of four expansion slots and four DIMM slots, as opposed to the single expansion slot and two DIMM (or SO-DIMM[8]) slots on Mini-ITX motherboards. This means that microATX allows dual-graphics card and quad-channel memory configurations.[9]
References[edit]
- ^Ganesh T S (30 October 2015). 'ASRock Rack Launches Xeon D Motherboards'. AnandTech.
- ^Branton. 'mATX vs ATX motherboard – What should you use for your gaming PC?'. PC Game Haven. Retrieved 2018-02-11.
- ^Mueller, Scott (2003). Upgrading and Repairing PCs. Pearson Education. p. 211. ISBN978-0-7897-2974-3.
- ^As of 2007, most motherboards follow the ATX12V 2.2 specification, which provides for a 24-pin main power connector, and a 4-pin auxiliary connector.
- ^'EVGA - Community - Introducing the NF44'. EVGA Corporation. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
- ^'SilverStone Technology Co., Ltd.- INTRODUCTION：ML03'. SilverStone Technology. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
- ^'Cooler Master: Mini 210'. Cooler Master. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
- ^'ASRock > Q1900B-ITX'. ASRock. Retrieved 4 April 2015.
- ^'Head 2 Head: Mini-ITX vs. MicroATX Systems'. Maximum PC. 11 February 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
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A PC Cube Case is a computer case having a cube-like or box-shaped design. It is a very interesting form factor and is a great choice for building a compact and powerful gaming PC. Generally, Cube Cases are designed for Small Form Factor PCs having mini-ITX and micro-ATX motherboards but you can also find some ATX Cube Cases too for building a high-end gaming PC with ATX / E-ATX motherboard and support for high-end water cooling system.
Some users do prefer ATX Cube Case over a Mid-Tower or Full Tower Case for Gaming PC because of their unique look and they offer better airflow and better cable management because they are wider than a normal mid-tower and full-tower case. For compact PC, HTPC and SFF gaming PC a Cube Case is a perfect choice because of its compact size and its stability on the ground as it is wider in size. Here in this post, I am going to provide you the list of best micro-ATX and ATX Cube Cases for building an SFF / Powerful Gaming PC or HTPC.
Must Read:Best Mini-ITX Cases for SFF Gaming PC and HTPC
Best Micro-ATX Cube Cases for SFF Gaming PC & HTPC
Here are the best micro-ATX cube cases for building an SFF Gaming PC or an HTPC. These cube cases are from big brands and they are highly reliable and offer a good amount of room for all your gaming components including a mid-range to a high-end graphics card.
Thermaltake CORE V21 Micro ATX Cube Case
The first cube case in our list is the Thermaltake CORE V21 Micro ATX Cube Case. It is a high-quality m-ATX cube case from Thermaltake that has got great airflow and can accommodate high-end graphics card and custom water cooling system. For cooling, the case comes with one 200mm fan at the front but you can install additional fans on top, rear and sides if you want to increase the airflow within the case. On the front side of the panel, you will find two USB 3.0 ports, HD audio ports, and a fan controller.
This is a pretty good looking cube case and it can support high-end graphics cards having length up to 350mm, Tall CPU Coolers up to 185mm in height and up to 280mm radiator support. This cube case also allows you to fit motherboard horizontally or vertically depending on your choice and requirements. This is a Tt LCS Certified PC case from Thermaltake which means it is compatible with almost all extreme liquid cooling solutions for building a high-performance PC. Other features of this m-ATX cube case include dust filters, cable management, and transparent top and side panels to give you a beautiful look at the various components inside and tools free drive installation. The case lacks a 5.25-inch bay which may be one of its downsides. This cube case is not expensive either and you can definitely build a high-end SFF gaming PC using it. Overall a great budget m-ATX cube case with tons of customizable options. Highly Recommended by me.
Check out:Best Case Fans for All Computer Cases
| Thermaltake CORE V21 Micro ATX Cube Chassis Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX Cube Case |
| Compatibility | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX Motherboards |
| Drive Bays | 3.5” x 3, 2.5” x 3 |
| Front Ports | USB 3.0 x 2, Audio, Fan Controller |
| Expansion Slots | 5 |
| CPU Cooler Height | 185mm |
| Graphics Card Length | 350mm |
| Fans & Cooling | Front: 120/140/240mm x 1 Rear: 120mm x 1 Top: 120/240mm x 1 / 140/280mm x 1 Side: 120/240mm x 1 / 140/280mm x 1 |
| Features | Dust Filters, Transparent Top and Side Panel, 280mm Radiator Support, Cable Management, Motherboard Rotation Placement |
Apevia X-QPACK3-BL Micro ATX Cube Gaming/HTPC Case
Apevia may not be a big brand but it does make some of the best budget computer cases. Here we have APEVIA X-Qpack3 Metal Case which is a great cube PC case for building a compact gaming PC or an HTPC. The case offers a good amount of room and offers good airflow within the case. It comes with one 140mm blue LED fan at the front and optionally you can install more fans at rear and top. The front top of the case has got two USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 ports, power/reset button, and audio ports. The motherboard is placed horizontally in this cube case.
This m-ATX cube case can fit 320mm long graphics card, standard size PSU and a mid-height CPU cooler up to 135mm in height. The case lacks support for dual radiators and has almost limited support for a liquid cooling solution. Other features of this cube case include dust filters, blue-tinted transparent side windows panels, and cable management.
| Apevia X-QPACK3-BL Micro ATX Cube Case Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX Cube Case |
| Compatibility | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX Motherboards |
| Drive Bays | 5.25” x 1, 3.5 / 2.5” x 1, 2.5” x 1 (hidden) |
| Front Ports | USB 3.0 x 1, USB 2.0 x 2, Audio |
| Expansion Slots | 4 |
| CPU Cooler Height | 135mm |
| Graphics Card Length | 320mm |
| Fans & Cooling | Front: 140mm x 1 Rear: 120mm x 1 Top: 120mm x 1 |
| Features | Dust filters, blue-tinted transparent side windows panels, cable management |
Corsair Carbide Series Air 240 Micro-ATX Case
Corsair Carbide Series Air 240 is one of the best small form factor cases for mini-ITX and Micro-ATX motherboards. This is a great looking and high-quality cube case from Corsair that offers good ventilation and has decent room for all your gaming components. For cooling the case comes included with two 120mm fans at the front and one 120mm at the top. On the front, you will find two USB 3.0 ports and audio ports.
This stylish cube case can accommodate a 290mm long graphics card, CPU Cooler up to 120mm in height and up to 240mm radiator support. There is no 5.25-inch drive bay which may be an issue for some users. Other features of this cube case include tools free drive installation, dust filters, transparent side panel window, and cable management.
| Corsair Carbide Series Air 240 Micro-ATX Case Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX Cube Case |
| Compatibility | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX Motherboards |
| Drive Bays | 3.5” x 3, 2.5” x 3 |
| Front Ports | USB 3.0 x 2, Audio Ports |
| Expansion Slots | 4 |
| CPU Cooler Height | 120mm |
| Graphics Card Length | 290mm |
| Fans & Cooling | Front: 120mm x 2 Top: 120mm x 2 Rear: 80mm x 2 Bottom: 120mm x 2 Side: 120mm x 1 |
| Features | Dust Filters, up to 240mm Radiator Support, Cable Management, tools free drive installation, transparent side window panel |
Thermaltake Level 20 VT Micro ATX Cube Gaming Case
Thermaltake Level 20 VT is the best looking micro-ATX cube case in this list. This is the smallest case in the new Thermaltake Level 20 series. However, this is a very spacious and compact case and includes support for a custom water cooling loop. The case comes with four 4mm tempered glass panels at the front, left, right and top panel that gives you a clear and complete view of your gaming rig. A 200mm fan comes pre-installed with the case and has mounting points at top, rear, bottom, and front for installing additional fans for better airflow. The front I/O ports consist of two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and HD Audio ports.
The case can fit up to 350mm long graphics cards, 185mm tall CPU coolers and up to 280mm Radiator. The case is divided into two chambers or channels, the upper one is used to accommodate motherboard and PCI-E components while the lower one is for PSU and Drive Bays. Other features include cable management and tool-free drive installation. The build quality of this case is also top-notch and you can build a mid-range to high-end compact gaming PC using this attractive and feature-rich modern cube case.
| Thermaltake Level 20 VT Cube Gaming Case Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX Cube Case |
| Compatibility | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX |
| Drive Bays | 3.5’’ or 2.5” x 3, 2.5’’ x 3 |
| Front Ports | USB 3.0 x 2, USB 2.0 x 2, HD Audio x 1 |
| Expansion Slots | 5 |
| CPU Cooler Height | 185mm |
| Graphics Card Length | 350mm |
| Fans & Cooling | Front: 2 x 120mm, 2 x 140mm, 1 x 200mm Top: 4 x 120mm, 2 x 140mm Rear: 1 x 120mm, 1 x 140mm Bottom: 2 x 120mm |
| Features | Up to 280mm Radiator support, Four Tempered Glass Panels, Cable management, Tool-less Drive installation |
Fractal Design Node 804 Micro-ATX Cube Case
Fractal Design Node 804 is a great m-ATX cube case for building a small form factor gaming PC, powerful SFF PC or a Server. This case is low on height but is a bit longer and wider. This dual-chamber cube case offers a great amount of room for all your components including graphics card. For airflow, it comes with one 120mm on the front and one 120mm & one 140mm fan at the rear. The front panel comes with two USB 3.0 ports and audio ports. This cube case has got great build quality and it supports up to ten 3.5 inch drive bays but lacks 5.25-inch drive bay.
Fractal Design Node 804 Cube Case can support graphics card up to 320mm in length, 160mm tall CPU cooler and up to 280mm radiator. Other features of this high-quality cube case include a fan controller, dust filters, cable management, and a windowed side panel. Overall a solid micro-ATX cube case for building a powerful small form factor gaming PC or a server.
| Fractal Design Node 804 Micro-ATX Cube Case Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX Cube Case |
| Compatibility | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX Motherboards |
| Drive Bays | 3.5” x 10, 2.5” x 2 |
| Front Ports | USB 3.0 x 2, Audio |
| Expansion Slots | 5 |
| CPU Cooler Height | 160mm |
| Graphics Card Length | 320mm |
| Fans & Cooling | Front: 120mm x 4 Rear: 120/140mm x 2 Top: 120/140mm x 4 |
| Features | Fan controller, dust filters, windowed side panel, cable management, up to 280mm radiator support for water cooling |
Thermaltake Core X2 mATX Cube Case
Thermaltake Core X2 is a high-quality mATX cube case for gamers and enthusiasts. This case has got stackable functionality with a fully modular design. This high-end cube case offers tons of storage space and offers great airflow and ventilation. For cooling the case comes with one 120mm fan at the front and one 120mm fan at the rear. On the front side, you will get two USB 3.0 ports and audio ports. This is a Tt LCS Certified case from Thermaltake which means it can accommodate high-end water cooling systems with big radiators.
This case from Thermaltake can fit a high-end graphics card up to 480mm in length, 230mm tall CPU Coolers and up to 360mm Radiator for water cooling system. Other features of this cube case include interchangeable window and I/O panel, dust filters, cable management, tools free drive installation and transparent window side panel. This cube case is a bit expensive but considering the features and space, it offers it is really worth the price. So if you want to build a top gaming PC with a custom water cooling kit then this cube case is what you should buy.
| Thermaltake Core X2 mATX Cube Chassis Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX Cube Case |
| Compatibility | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX Motherboards |
| Drive Bays | 5.25” x 1, 3.5” x 3, 2.5” x 4 |
| Front Ports | USB 3.0 x 2, Audio |
| Expansion Slots | 5 |
| CPU Cooler Height | 230mm |
| Graphics Card Length | 480mm (without ODD cage), 330mm (with ODD cage) |
| Fans & Cooling | Front: 3 x 120mm / 2 x 140mm / 1 x 200mm Top: 6 x 120mm / 2 x 140mm / 2 x 200mm Rear: 1 x 120mm or 1 x 140mm Bottom: 2 x 120mm Left / Right Side: 3 x 120mm |
| Features | Interchangeable Window and I/O panel, dust filters, cable management transparent window, chamber design, side panel, up to 360mm radiator support for liquid cooling solutions, tools free drive installation |
Best ATX Cube Cases for High-end Gaming PC
Here are the best ATX Cube Cases for building a powerful gaming PC with a high-end graphics card and water cooling unit with dual radiators. All the below mentioned cube cases can fit ATX Motherboards and lower form factor motherboards.
Corsair Carbide Series Air 540 ATX Cube Case
If you are looking for a budget high-end ATX Cube Case then nothing can come close to Corsair Carbide Series Air 540. This is a great cube case and tons of space for all your components including high-end graphics card and liquid cooling systems. This cube case can accommodate the biggest of motherboards including ATX and E-ATX motherboards. This ATX cube case is also not too big and retains the compact form factor of a cube case. The case has solid build quality and also looks very stylish. For cooling and airflow it comes with two 140mm fans at front and one 140mm fan at rear. You can optionally install two 120/140mm fans on the top panel. On the front, you will find two USB 3.0 ports, audio ports, and a power button.
It can support graphics card up to 320mm in length, 170mm tall CPU coolers and up to 360mm radiator. Various other features of this ATX cube case include dust filters, cable routing, full side panel window, and tool-free PCI-E and storage installation. Overall it is a great ATX cube case for building a high-end gaming PC and it is also priced very well. Highly Recommended ATX Cube Case by me.
| Corsair Carbide Series Air 540 ATX Cube Case Specifications | |
| Form Factor | ATX Cube Case |
| Compatibility | ATX, Micro ATX, E-ATX and Mini ITX Motherboards |
| Drive Bays | 5.25” x 2, 3.5” / 2.5” x 2, 2.5” x 2 |
| Front Ports | USB 3.0 x 2, USB 2.0 x 2, Audio |
| Expansion Slots | 8 |
| CPU Cooler Height | 170mm |
| Graphics Card Length | 320mm |
| Fans & Cooling | Front: 120mm x 3 or 140mm x 2 Top: 120/140mm x 2 Rear: 120/140mm x 1 |
| Features | Dust filters, cable routing, full side panel window and tool-free PCI-E and storage installation, up to 360mm radiator support |
Corsair Carbide Series Air 740 ATX Cube Case
Corsair Carbide Series Air 740 is another good ATX cube case from Corsair. This is a stylish and modern looking cube case and can fit ATX motherboards up to 272mm in length. This is a pretty spacious PC cube case and is suitable for building a high-end gaming PC. The case offers great airflow and for cooling, it comes pre-installed with two 140mm fans at the front and one 140mm fan at the rear. It has enough fans mount points on top and bottom and you can optionally install more fans if you need more cooling or want to enhance airflow within the case. This cube case has got dual chamber design and the side panel is very easy to open as it has a door like a handle or a latch. On the front of the case, you will find two USB 3.0 ports and audio ports.
This cube case from Corsair can fit 330mm long graphics card, 170mm tall CPU coolers like Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO and up to 360mm Radiator for Water Cooling System. The case lacks a 5.25-inch drive bay which may pose an issue for some users. Various other features of this ATX cube case include dust filters for all intake, tool-less drive installation and transparent side windowed panel. Overall a great ATX cube case if you want to build a powerful PC with ATX motherboard.
Micro Atx Expansion Slots Jackpot
| Corsair Carbide Series Air 740 ATX Cube Case Specifications | |
| Form Factor | ATX Cube Case |
| Compatibility | ATX (up to 272mm), Micro ATX and Mini ITX Motherboards |
| Drive Bays | 3.5” x 3, 2.5” x 4 |
| Front Ports | USB 3.0 x 2, Audio |
| Expansion Slots | 8 |
| CPU Cooler Height | 170mm |
| Graphics Card Length | 330mm |
| Fans & Cooling | Front: 120mm x 3 or 140mm x 2 Top: 120/140mm x 2 Bottom: 120/140mm x 2 Rear: 120/140mm x 1 |
| Features | Dust Filter, Cable Routing and Management, Transparent Side Panel, up to 360mm Radiator support |
Cooler Master HAF XB EVO ATX Cube Case
Cooler Master HAF XB EVO is a solid ATX Cube Case for building a powerful PC for enthusiasts and gamers. This is a pretty compact ATX cube case but offers adequate space to fit all your high-end components. This might not be an ideal gaming case but you can still build a gaming PC using a liquid cooling system and high-end graphics card. For airflow and cooling it comes pre-installed with two 120mm XtraFlo fans at the front and you can optionally install more fans at the rear, top and front if you want more airflow. The front panel of the case has got two USB 3.0 ports and audio ports.
This ATX case supports graphics card up to 334mm long graphics card, 180mm tall CPU cooler and up to 240mm Radiator for water cooling unit. The case also features four removable cages for HDD / SSD which can prove very handy for portability purposes. The case is durable having a very good build quality and has got handles on its side panels and this makes it very easy to move around from one place to another. Other features include dust filters, removable motherboard tray, two-tiered structure, tools free drive installation, and cable management. This cube case can also be used as a PC Test Bench. Overall it is a feature-rich compact ATX cube case with the sturdy build quality.
| Cooler Master HAF XB EVO ATX Cube Case Specifications | |
| Form Factor | ATX Cube Case |
| Compatibility | ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini ITX Motherboards |
| Drive Bays | 5.25” x 2, 3.5”/ 2.5” x 4 |
| Front Ports | USB 3.0 x 2, Audio |
| Expansion Slots | 7 |
| CPU Cooler Height | 180mm |
| Graphics Card Length | 334mm |
| Fans & Cooling | Top: 200mm fan x 1 (optional) – for mesh version (RC-902XB-KKN2) only Front: 120mm XtraFlo fan x 2 (installed; 1200 RPM, 17 dBA), or 140mm fan x 2 (optional) Rear: 120mm fan x 1 or 80mm fan x 2 (optional) |
| Features | Dust filters, removable motherboard tray, two-tiered structure, tools free drive installation, cable management, up to 240mm radiator support, removable drive cages |
Thermaltake Core X9 E-ATX Cube Case
If you are looking for sheer quality, lots of space and features then nothing can beat Thermaltake Core X9 E-ATX Cube Case. This is a high-end cube case that can accommodate up to E-ATX or Extended ATX motherboards. This is a big cube case and is suited for building an ultimate gaming PC with a high-end graphics cards and an extreme liquid cooling system with big radiators. This cube case offers exceptional ventilation and airflow and it comes pre-installed with one 200mm front fan and one 120mm fan at the rear. The front panel of this cube case comes with four USB 3.0 ports and audio ports.
This high-end gaming cube case can accommodate the largest of graphics cards up to 400mm in length, Tallest of CPU Coolers up to 250mm in height and big radiators up to 480mm. This is a Tt LCS Certified case from Thermaltake and has got dual chambers, is fully modular and has got stacking design. The only thing lacking, in this case, is a 5.25-inch drive bay. Other features of this top-end cube case include Dust filters, Interchangeable Window and I/O Panel, Transparent side panel window, tools free drive installation and cable management. So if you want a big, feature-rich, high performance & high-quality sturdy ATX Cube Case then you can definitely put your money on it. Highly Recommended by me.
| Thermaltake Core X9 E-ATX Cube Case Specifications | |
| Form Factor | ATX Cube Case |
| Compatibility | ATX, Micro ATX, E-ATX, and Mini ITX Motherboards |
| Drive Bays | 3.5” x 1, 2.5” x 2, 3.5”/2.5” x 6 |
| Front Ports | USB 3.0 x 4, Audio |
| Expansion Slots | 8 |
| CPU Cooler Height | 250mm |
| Graphics Card Length | 400mm / 590mm (w/o ODD cage) |
| Fans & Cooling | Front: 3 x 120mm or 2 x 140mm or 2 x 200mm Top: 8 x 120mm or 6 x 140mm or 2 x 200mm Rear: 2 x 120mm or 2 x 140mm Bottom: 3 x 120mm Left / Right Side: 4 x 120mm or 3 x 140mm |
| Features | Stacking & dual chamber design, Dust filters, Interchangeable Window and I/O Panel, Transparent side panel window, tools free drive installation, cable management, support up to 480mm Radiators |
Final Words
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In the end, I would like to say that this above mentioned micro-ATX and ATX Cube Cases are very reliable and will allow to you build a powerful or high-performance gaming PC or an HTPC. The micro-ATX cube cases retain their compactness without sacrificing on performance and internal space for components and airflow. But if you really want to go pro then you can go with ATX Cube Cases. Some of these ATX Cube Cases are pretty compact while few of them are quite big but they offer you huge space and performance that you may not get in a full-tower case. If you have queries or doubts then feel free to ask me by leaving a comment below.